Is More Specials a good place to start with The Specials?

Yes, More Specials is recommended as a starting point for new The Specials listeners. A vibrant blend of ska rhythms and new wave sensibilities, infused with sharp social commentary and playful melodies. Released as the band's second studio album, More Specials followed their self-titled debut, which had already established them as leaders in the ska revival. At this point in their career, The Specials were navigating the complexities of success while facing lineup changes and the challenge of evolving their sound beyond traditional ska.

Who is More Specials for?

More Specials works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, urban disillusionment with upbeat sound and social commentary wrapped in melodies.

How many songs are on More Specials?

More Specials has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

More Specials

The Specials · 1980

45 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of ska rhythms and new wave sensibilities, infused with sharp social commentary and playful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Enjoy Yourself Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit with its infectious melody and a message about seizing the moment, setting a playful tone for the rest of the record.
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Rat Race — A standout for its poignant lyrics addressing societal pressures, this track combines upbeat rhythms with a sense of urgency that resonates with listeners' everyday struggles.
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Hey, Little Rich Girl — This song serves as a scathing critique of wealth disparity, highlighting the band's ability to merge political commentary with catchy hooks, making it one of the album's most memorable tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends ska and new wave with sharp social commentary, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively ska track, then shifts to more experimental sounds in the middle, including a spoken word piece.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation, such as the use of horns and synthesizers alongside traditional ska elements.
The final track is a reprise of the opening song, creating a circular structure that invites listeners to reflect on the themes presented.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
urban disillusionment with upbeat sound
social commentary wrapped in melodies
group sing-along potential
for afternoon gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer long, introspective pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Cited as a key moment in ska, showcasing innovative sound and social commentary.
Themes: wealth disparity critique· everyday struggles
Career context: Released as the band's second studio album, More Specials followed their self-titled debut, which had already established them as leaders in the ska revival. At this point in their career, The Specials were navigating the complexities of success while facing lineup changes and the challenge of evolving their sound beyond traditional ska.
Stylistic neighbors: Madness· The Selecter· Bad Manners